A-
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Cedar City Utah National
Cost of living105105100
Groceries103101100
Health care100101100
Housing114113100
Transportation100101100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104102100
Household Items101102100
Education & Childcare101105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cedar City, UT

Knowing the cost of living in Cedar City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Cedar City stands at 105, marking it 5% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Cedar City closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Cedar City can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Cedar City?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 13 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Cedar City. The results indicated that 15% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 85% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Cedar City Affordable?

Wondering if Cedar City is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Cedar City, for example, the median home price is 26.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 16.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Cedar City boasting a median household income of $77,944, which is 4.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cedar City?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Cedar City, the utilities index stands at 1.2% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Cedar City, the groceries index registers 2.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Cedar City shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cedar City is equal to the Utah average
  • The cost of living in Cedar City is 5% higher than the national average
  • Cedar City housing is 14% higher than the national average
  • Utah general sales tax is 20% higher than the national average
  • Utah state income tax is 87% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Cedar City

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Compare Cedar City, UT Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$105,640$8,803$2,465$3,170
      Renters$52,290$4,358$1,220$1,569
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Cedar City, UT, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Cedar City have a median income of $105,640. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,465 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $52,290, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,220.

      Utah Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Utah 6.1% 8.35%

      Utah Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Utah 4.85% 4.85%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brian Head, UT451011.0%
      Parowan, UT3,2051021.6%
      Kanarraville, UT3101054.5%
      Enoch, UT7,2501098.9%
      Summit, UT25812019.9%
      Cedar City, UT34,4731054.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Midvale, UT34,47711514.9%
      Kaneohe, HI34,467200100.1%
      Myrtle Beach, SC34,4851044.5%
      Beverly Hills, CA34,487338238.1%
      Springville, UT34,43811414.2%
      Cedar City, UT34,4731054.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.